Critic of taxpayer ‘handouts’ runs radio ad on film incentive bills

Americans for Prosperity says it is running a new radio ad that is “hammering” lawmakers for proposing new film incentives.

The ad will run in the Greensboro, Greenville, New Bern and Raleigh markets, according to the group, which describes itself as a “longtime critic of taxpayer handouts which benefit specific industries and companies at the expense of others.”

Matching House and Senate bills were filed this month, with sponsorship from leading Republicans, to modify the state’s film grant fund by increasing its funding.

Lawmakers had let a built-in tax credit for film companies expire last year. A grant program was started in its place, with $10 million available each year for film projects, but filmmakers and industry supporters have said it is not enough.